What is the Current Status of Cannabis Legislation in North Carolina?

The General Assembly of North Carolina has been actively discussing cannabis-related legislation in recent sessions. Several bills have been introduced, covering a range of topics from recreational marijuana to medical cannabis.

Senate Bill 346, introduced in the 2023 session, addresses the issue of recreational marijuana. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a notice in relation to this bill, highlighting the importance of this issue within the state. The notice can be found at the Department of Transportation’s official website. Click here for more information.

House Bill 626, also from the 2023 session, involves the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, reflecting the broad scope of cannabis-related issues being considered by the state legislature. Further details on this bill can be found in the official documentation provided by the North Carolina General Assembly. Click here for more information.

The North Carolina Industrial Hemp Pilot Program has played a significant role in setting the stage for the current discussions on cannabis. Initiated by the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 and subsequent North Carolina legislation, it has established hemp as a legal agricultural commodity under the general oversight of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). More information on the program can be found at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services’ website. Click here for more information.

Additionally, the North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice, convened by Governor Roy Cooper and co-chaired by Justice Anita Earls and Attorney General Josh Stein, has adopted recommendations related to marijuana, acknowledging its impact on racial equity within the state’s criminal justice system. Further details on the task force’s recommendations can be found at the North Carolina Department of Justice’s website. Click here for more information.

There have also been developments on the medical marijuana front. Senate Bill 711, known as the Compassionate Care Act, aims to legalize the medical use of cannabis in North Carolina. While it has made significant progress, it still needs to pass the NC House of Representatives before becoming law. Updates and further information on this bill can be found at the North Carolina General Assembly’s website. Click here for more information.